Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch known for its distinctive sound when typing, while the Smoothie is a linear switch praised for its smooth key presses and thocky sound signature. If you prefer a tactile and audible typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie could be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Smoothie both utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Spring Breeze featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Smoothie utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POM housings in the Smoothie switches produce a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by influencing the sound and feel of the switch.
While the top housing of the Spring Breeze and Smoothie switches may differ in material, they both play a significant role in impacting the sound profile of the switch. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a unique and muted sound. When you release a key, the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound that is produced, showcasing the distinct qualities of each material. However, despite these differences, the goal remains the same for both switches - to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of typing on a keyboard. Whether it be the nylon top and bottom housing of the Outemu Spring Breeze or the POM top and bottom housing of the Gateron Smoothie, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the table. While the Spring Breeze may provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Smoothie offers a more muted and pleasing sound experience. Ultimately, selecting a switch with the housing material that aligns with your preferences will help enhance your overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown. The Spring Breeze is considered medium-light in terms of weight, making it easier for users to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Smoothie's weight is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine how heavy or light the typing experience would be. Actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes efficiently, while bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key fully. Depending on preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Spring Breeze for prolonged typing sessions, while others may opt for a heavier typing feel with the Smoothie for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Spring Breeze with its 4mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Smoothie's 3.6mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its unique and satisfying clicky sound, often likened to a crisp and tactile response that provides auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. The low-pitched and subdued nature of the Smoothie switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze, making it ideal for those seeking a more subtle sound profile during use. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a tactile and responsive typing experience, with each key press delivering a satisfying tactile bump that enhances typing precision and feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience characterized by a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation. The application of lubricants in the Smoothie switch contributes to its smooth operation, ensuring that each key press feels effortless and uniform. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Spring Breeze or the smoothness of the Smoothie, both switches offer a distinct typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each boast unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Spring Breeze excels in providing a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound profile and buttery keystroke experience. Whether you prioritize auditory feedback or typing comfort, both switches offer excellent performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a satisfying clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery linear switch with a lightweight touch and a thocky sound signature, then the Gateron Smoothie is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire. Whether you prioritize the clicky feedback of the Spring Breeze or the smoothness of the Smoothie, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
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